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July 2003

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-- Top News Stories --

Fuji FinePix S7000
Fuji FinePix S5000
Fuji FinePix A310
Fuji FinePix A205 & A210
Hasselblad Ixpress H1
Kodak Posts v4.3.3 Firmware for Pro14n
Lexar 2GB CF w/WA Wins TIPA Award
Minolta DiMAGE X20
Nikon Announces High-Speed D2H
Nikon Announces 2 New DX Nikkor Lenses
Nikon Rebates Coolscan Film Scanners
Olympus 512MB xD Cards/USB 2.0 Reader
Olympus E-1 Digital SLR System
Qimage v2003.240 Released
SMal Camera/Fuji Axia EyePlate Mega
Sony Announces 4-Color Filter CCD
ThumbsPlus v6.0 for Windows


June 2003 News Index
May 2003 News Index
April 2003 News Index


PMA 2003 Special Report
Steve's "Best of 2002" Camera Picks
Photokina 2002 News Page

Sunday Morning Photographer
(A weekly column by Mike Johnston)





07-30-2003

LetsGoDigital Has Two More New Cameras from Rollei



The folks at LetsGoDigital.nl have posted information about two more new Rollei digicams. Check out the 3.1-Megapixel Rollei DT3200 with a 3x optical zoom, 1.6-inch LCD, 16MB + SD card. The second new camera is the 3-Megapixel Rollei DP300 with a 3x optical zoom, 1.5-inch LCD, 16MB internal memory and an SD card slot.



07-29-2003

Camera Reviews Posted Today

I just posted two new camera reviews and finally finalized our Coolpix SQ review. Just posted is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U30 review and its all-weather brother the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U60 review. These are the latest entries in Sony's micro-digicam series of Cyber-shots. If you want a small digicam then check these two out. The DSC-U60 is waterproof and can be used underwater to a depth of five feet.




07-29-2003

Extensis Releases Pro Photo Raw Image Filter for Portfolio 6

LAS VEGAS--July 28, 2003--Free filter powered by Bibble Labs enables professional photographers to manage Raw image files from leading digital SLR cameras. Extensis today announced the immediate availability of the Pro Photo Raw Image Filter for Portfolio 6. The new filter -- a free upgrade for registered owners of the company's award-winning Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution -- allows photographers to preview, sort, and archive camera-native images without having to first convert them into another format.

With the Pro Photo Raw Image Filter, Portfolio can generate high-quality thumbnails and previews from the unprocessed raw image files created by higher-end digital cameras from Nikon, Olympus, Kodak, Canon and Fuji. Portfolio can also extract EXIF metadata from the raw files and generate slideshows of the images.

Many pro-level photographers produce digital photos in raw format because this format preserves 100 percent of the color and tonal range data captured by the camera's image sensor in an uncompressed, lossless form. Raw files can serve as digital "negatives" or master images that can later be converted into more standard formats (such as TIFF or JPEG) with a variety of tools that give the photographer control over how the original data is ultimately rendered.

The Pro Photo Raw Image filter for Portfolio is powered by technology from Bibble Labs, one of the leading developers of raw image processing software. "Combining the power of Bibble Labs' raw image processing technology with the photo- management tools already in Portfolio is a powerful combination," said Eric Hyman CEO of Bibble Labs. "This is something that pro photographers really need and we're pleased to help Extensis build a premier tool for the pro photo market."

Registered owners of Portfolio 6 are eligible to receive the Pro Photo Raw Image filter by updating their current version of Portfolio to version 6.1.2 for Mac OS X and 6.0.3 for Windows through the Extensis website.




07-29-2003

Pictographics Releases Stand-Alone Version of iCorrect EditLab Color Correction Software

July 28, 2003-Burnsville, MN-Pictographics International Corporation, a leading developer of color technology software, announces the release of a stand-alone version of its award-winning color correction software, iCorrect EditLab. iCorrect EditLab makes professional quality color correction fast and easy. The new stand alone version features AutoQueue for "rapid-fire" color correction of any number of digital pictures.

iCorrect EditLab offers a revolutionary, yet simple and straightforward way of color correcting any digital picture. iCorrect EditLab leads you through a simple four step process including:

  • Color balance-Removes unwanted color cast
  • White/black point-Improves tonal range
  • Brightness/contrast/saturation-Corrects Exposure settings
  • Hue selective editing--.Refines colors on a hue selective basis including predefined Memory colors suchs as Skin tones, Blue sky ad Foliage green.
iCorrect EditLab also includes Pictographics' patent pending memory color algorithms. These algorithms allow for very quick and easy correction of several special colors including sky blue, foliage green, and skin tones. Pictographics' unique race-independent skin tone memory color has found special favor in portrait and school photography markets. iCorrect EditLab is so powerful that even novices can obtain spectacular results that would typically require an in-depth understanding of color theory to achieve. iCorrect EditLab with AutoQueue provides the digital photographer with the tools necessary to achieve great color with maximum speed and productivity.

iCorrect EditLab Application, version 4.0, is compatible with the following operating systems: Macintosh 9.2, and 10.1and 10.2 in both Native and Classic modes and Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP. iCorrect EditLab is available for $79.95 (software download) at www.picto.com. iCorrect EditLab Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop products is priced at $99.95 (software download) and is available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.




07-29-2003

Fujifilm Unveils FinePix S7000 Digital Camera with Super CCD HR Sensor




VALHALLA, NY, July 29, 2003 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced the arrival of the first digital camera to carry the second of its two proprietary Super CCD HR (High Resolution) sensors. The chip provides the Fujifilm FinePix S7000, with 6 million effective pixels to create rich, life-like images with 12 million recorded pixel output - the highest resolution image files available to consumers. The FinePix S7000 also offers advanced exposure control and wide aperture 6x optical zoom and 3.2x digital zoom in a compact SLR-inspired styling.

Read the entire Fuji S7000 press release.




07-29-2003

Fujifilm Unveils FinePix S5000 with 10X Zoom




VALHALLA, NY, July 29, 2003 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced the launch of the FinePix S5000, a consumer digital SLR camera model. The camera carries Fujifilm's proprietary Super CCD HR (High Resolution) sensor, offering 3.1 million effective pixels for crisp, vivid images. The FinePix S5000 also offers a 10x optical zoom (equivalent to a 37-370mm on a 35mm camera) and 2.2x digital zoom (at 1280 x 960 pixels), allowing photo enthusiasts to capture images of distant subjects. Its traditional styling, pre-programmed scenes, and optional full manual controls create a pleasurable experience for consumers who want to combine the artistry of photography with the convenience of digital.

Read the entire Fuji S5000 press release.




07-29-2003

Fujifilm Unveils First Point-And-Shoot Digital Camera With Leading Edge Sensor Technology




VALHALLA, New York, July 29, 2003 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced the arrival of the FinePix A310, the first affordable point-and-shoot camera with the company's fourth-generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution) sensor technology. The FinePix A310, which was introduced in overseas markets earlier this year, offers 3.1 million effective pixels for image capture. The camera marries this high resolution offering with Fujifilm's reknowned color reproduction and sharpness, setting new standards in entry- level digital camera image quality. The Super CCD HR sensors can also be found in the FinePix F410, S5000 and S7000 cameras.

Read the entire Fuji A310 press release.




07-29-2003

Fujifilm Announces Arrival Of Two New Point-And-Shoot Digital Cameras For Everyday Photographers

VALHALLA, NY, July 29, 2003 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced the arrival of two new easy-to-use digital cameras. The Fujifilm FinePix A205 and FinePix A210 combine point-and-shoot convenience with lifelike color reproduction, allowing even new digital photographers to capture high quality images. The FinePix A205 has 2.0 million effective pixels and 3x optical zoom. The FinePix A210 offers 3.2 million effective pixels and a 3x optical zoom.

Read the entire Fuji A205 & A210 press release.




07-28-2003

LetsGoDigital Covers Rollei's New dc3100

Our good friends over at LetsGoDigital.nl have posted some information about a new 3-megapixel camera from Rollei. Although Rollei doesn't have much of a presence in the U.S. market they do sell a good number of cameras in the European Union. Check it out at: LetsGoDigital.nl Rollei dc3100 page.




07-26-2003

DDI Software Releases Qimage Version 2003.240

Mike Chaney has been busy as usual improving his excellent Windows printing software. Qimage began as an easy way to make multiple prints per page and has morphed into an incredible application for making the best possible prints from digital images. Whether you use a consumer digicam or a pro-level digital SLR you can benefit from Qimage's tools and filters to enhance your images. There's image noise filtering, blemish and redeye removal, rotation, interpolation and other "on the fly" tools. Check Qimage out for yourself, download and try the 30-day demo, you won't be sorry.

Qimage v2003.241 offers greater stability, smoother operation, and the ability to handle much larger images. Here are a few of the most significant enhancements to Qimage included in recent versions:

  • New print logging feature simplifies billing/accounting of prints
  • Soft proofing with ability to toggle between screen image/proof image
  • Ability to select "rendering intent" with printer ICC profiles
  • Ability to save and restore print driver and all print related settings
  • Improved color when using ICC profiles
  • TWAIN acquire function for scanning images
  • Interface improvements to simplify adding images/selecting sizes
  • EXIF orientation: auto rotates images based on camera position
  • Improvements to borders, addition of new cutouts/frames, etc.
  • Smoother and faster operation of batch filter functions
  • Ability to handle files with very high pixel count such as panoramas




07-25-2003

ThumbsPlus 6.0 Offers More Features Than Any Other Digital Content Management Software!

Cerious Software has released its full-featured ThumbsPlus 6.0 for Windows, one of the leading software solutions for digital content management. ThumbsPlus locates, views, edits, prints and organizes images, metafiles, fonts and multimedia files. The software contains easy to use wizards for optimized image and catalog printing, as well as to create web pages, slide shows and contact sheets. A versatile batch converter allows complex image manipulations with more than 300 editing functions.

Unlike most comparable products, ThumbsPlus is completely database-driven which allows sophisticated features such as the extensive search capabilities, user defined fields, image galleries, or the management of offline disks, even across a local network. The new release 6.0 supports now 114 formats, including JPEG 2000 and many of the proprietary digital camera formats from Canon, Olympus, Minolta and Kodak. ThumbsPlus is highly customizable and can be scaled from a single Home PC up to a complex SQL driven server solution.

The software is available directly from Cerious at www.cerious.com or toll-free at 1-877-CERIOUS as well as from selected resellers, with a MSRP of $ 49.95 (Standard Version) / $ 89.95 (Professional Version).




07-25-2003

Canon Launches World’S First Film Scanning Capable, Bus-Powered 2400 x 4800 dpi CIS Scanner

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 25, 2003 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE CAJ) today announced the world’s first film-scanning capable CIS scanner that is bus- powered with up to 2400 x 4800 dpi – the new CanoScan® LiDE™ 80 Color Image Scanner. Appealing to style-conscious users in need of a serious scanner, the new flagship model features high image quality in an ultra-slim design.

This scanner is the first CIS scanner in the world with up to 2400 x 4800 dpi for high resolution scanning. Single-pass scanning technology and 48-bit color (both input and output) provide both fast and detailed scans with smooth gradation and more than 281 trillion possible colors. It will also be the world’s first film capable bus-powered CIS scanner on the market. The LiDE 80 will come with a film adapter unit (FAU) as a no-cost standard accessory that will allow the user to scan a 35mm un-mounted frame (positive or negative) at up to 2400 x 4800 dpi. The scanner also is the first CIS scanner to use Canon’s exclusive Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement (FARE™ Level 2).

Additional advantages of the LiDE 80 include one cable for USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection and power, the Z-Lid™ expansion top, four one-touch buttons and the Multi-Scan Mode. Consumers will deal with less clutter when using the one USB cable included with the scanner to both power the unit and connect it to the computer. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed will deliver preview scans in less than 10 seconds by using fast transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps. Canon’s exclusive Z-Lid expansion top lifts approximately one inch and stays flat for scanning thick books and magazines. The super slim design, just over one-and-a-half inches high and the included scanner stand allows users to scan and store the scanner on its side to save space.

A powerful suite of software applications provides users tools to enhance, edit and organize images. The CanoScan LiDE 80 flatbed scanner is compatible with Windows XP/2000/Me/98, Mac OS 9.1 to 9.x, Mac OS X v 10.1.x to 10.2.x (Classic mode) and Mac OS X v 10.1.3 to 10.2.x (Native mode). A one-year limited warranty with InstantExchange is included with an option to purchase an extended limited warranty (good for up to three years) from Canon for a suggested retail price of $50.00. The LiDE 80 scanner will be available in August for a suggested list price of $179.99.




07-25-2003

Canon's New Digital Workflow CD-ROM Supports Photographers Transitioning From Film To Digital Imaging

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. July 25, 2003 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) will begin distributing its new EOS Digital Workflow Guide CD, a working photographer's tutorial of the digital imaging process, at the Professional Photographers of America's (PPA) IMAGING USA exhibit in Las Vegas, July 27 – 29th.

Canon created the CD as a reference guide for working photographers that are considering shifting from film to digital imaging as well as newly converted digital shooters interested in learning more about their evolving workflow routines. The CD features step- by-step workflow explanations; interviews with 11 top digital photographers within their fields; more than 50 video clips that share various workflow insights; EOS digital image galleries; photographer profiles; and a workflow glossary.

The Digital Workflow Process section of the CD is where users can gain some perspective on the digital workflow process. The content is arranged in nine steps, Pre-Shoot; Shoot; Transfer; Process, Browse & Edit; Initial Back-Up; Optimization, Storage & Archiving; and Output.

A critical subject to any digital photographer is color management. In the Color Management section of the CD, viewers can access a substantial amount of information written to de-mystify the methods used to ensure accurate and consistent color throughout the digital photography process. Canon worked with color management expert Andrew Rodney to create this section of the presentation.

Additionally, the CD includes a product showcase featuring bullet points on the EOS-1Ds, EOS 1D and the EOS-10D with links to Canon's full-information websites. There is also a section on the CD that discusses the impact of digital imaging on working photographers businesses.

Besides distribution in Canon's booth at the PPA Imaging USA trade show, the CDs will be mailed out to Canon Professional Service (CPS) members and registered EOS digital SLR owners. In addition, the CD will be inserted into upcoming issues of Rangefinder and PEI magazines. Canon will honor requests from photographers within the United States for the EOS Digital Workflow Guide CD via the Canon website although quantities are limited.




07-23-2003

Largest-Ever PhotoshopWorld Conference & Expo To Bring New Techniques, Technology to Creative Industry

TAMPA, Fla. -- July 23, 2003 -- Creativity, productivity, and profitability will be the training focus of this year's PhotoshopWorld Conference & Expo, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals announced today. Billed as "The Largest Adobe Photoshop Event In The World" and sponsored by corporate giant Adobe Systems, Inc., PhotoshopWorld will offer attendees more than 60 educational sessions and 12 after-hours events. An expanded expo hall and new product releases will also provide conference goers with an exclusive introduction to new technology from industry leaders.

Graphic designers, digital photographers, Web and DV professionals can hone their skills through conference tracks on Photoshop Creativity, Digital Photography, Productivity, The Web, Motion Graphics, Print/Prepress, and The Business Side of Photoshop. This year¹s sessions will be taught by a staff of 25 instructors including Scott Kelby, Deke McClelland, Dan Margulis, Eddie Tapp, and others.

The PhotoshopWorld Conference & Expo will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida, September 30 ­ October 2, 2003. Conference admission is $499 on or before August 25, 2003, $599 after August 25, 2003. NAPP members save $100 and discounts are also available for teachers and students. Visit www.photoshopworld.com for full conference details and to register.




07-22-2003

Nikon Announces High-Speed D2H Professional Digital SLR Camera, Nikon Capture 4.0, SB-800 Speedlight and New Nikkor Lenses Including Two DX Nikkors


Nikon D2H


MELVILLE, NY, JULY 22, 2003 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the new D2H professional digital SLR camera, designed for photojournalists and sports/action photographers. Featuring the fastest full system performance in a digital SLR camera, the D2H sets a new standard in speed and accuracy while achieving exceptional image quality. Virtually every aspect of the camera's performance has been designed from the ground up to facilitate high-speed photography under demanding conditions. The D2H is capable of continuously shooting 8 frames per second and buffers up to a staggering 40 JPEG images. It incorporates an all new 11-sensor autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors and versatile performance, a revolutionary new DX format 4.1 effective megapixel JFET imaging sensor called 'LBCAST' designed by Nikon and Wi-Fi capabilities for 802.11b wireless transmission of images.

Read the entire Nikon D2H press release.


Related Nikon 7/22/2003 Press Releases

Nikon Capture 4.0 software
SB-800 i-TTL Speedlight
DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens
AF-S VR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens





07-17-2003

Olympus Announces Two New Products – 512MB xD-Picture Card and Mobile USB Reader/Writer Exclusively for xD Media

Melville, New York, July 17, 2003 – Olympus America today launched two new products that make an enormous difference in how users of advanced digital still cameras take and process their images. The new 512MB xD-Picture Card is the latest addition to the xD family of memory media, joining the 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, and 256MB cards. The higher capacity of the 512MB card ensures that photographers enjoy hours of shooting before downloading images to a personal computer.

The Olympus MAUSB-100 Mobile xD-Picture Card USB Reader/Writer will be available in September 2003. It is compatible with MacOS 9.0 or Windows 98 and above (USB port must be available). The package includes the USB Reader/Writer, USB 2.0 extension cable, drivers for both computing platforms, and manual. It can be purchased from authorized Olympus dealers. Estimated Street Price: $29.95 (U.S.)

The 512MB xD-Picture Card will begin shipping at the end of July. Estimated Street Price: $279.95 (U.S.)




07-16-2003

Minolta Introduces the New DiMAGE X20 Digital Camera


DiMAGE X20

Ramsey, NJ (July 17, 2003) - Minolta Corporation introduces the world's smallest and lightest 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom* - the DiMAGE X20. This tiny new fun and easy to use digital camera incorporates numerous creative features such as slide show playback, self-portrait mode, multi-frame drive mode, Image Pasting, movie mode, noise reduction function and web communications capability. The new Minolta DiMAGE X20 combines responsive performance and a user-friendly design with the incredible non- extending zoom lens and fast startup time inherited from Minolta's DiMAGE X series of digital cameras. A user simply turns the camera on, and in one second the camera is ready to take pictures.

Read the entire DiMAGE X20 press release.




07-16-2003

UMAX Announces Two New High Performance Scanners

DALLAS, TX., July 16, 2003 -- UMAX Technologies, Inc. today announced the UMAX PowerLook 1000, the first 2400 dpi scanner for professionals and semi-professionals. The PowerLook 1000 is the ideal scanner for the graphic, publishing, production, catalog design, and photography markets.

The PowerLook 1000 features FireWire (IEEE-1394) and USB interfaces, providing fast scans and easy connectivity. The 42-bit color depth allows for billions of colors to be reproduced in the image. The pre-focus system automatically calibrates the focus when starting the scanner to provide sharp scans. The PowerLook 1000 is packaged with software titles for a variety of market-specific bundles, including LaserSoft Imaging's SilverFast Ai 6.0 with IT8 Calibration Targets (one reflective 5"x7" and one transmissive 4"x5" calibration target).

The PowerLook 1120 features a high optical density and is equipped with a multisampling function, which reduces image noise and increases the density range. The PowerLook 1120 features Macintosh Peer-to-Peer communication, allowing two or more computers to share the same scanner when they are daisy-chained together via FireWire bus. The hot-pluggability feature allows users to connect or disconnect the scanner without having restart the entire system.

The PowerLook 1120 offers solid construction along with extensive software options to meet the needs of professional and semi-professional customers. By choosing, in MagicScan, High Density or in SilverFast, Multisampling, the CCD-array will recapture image data at the same position, saving the data in a buffer before moving to the next position. The saved image information is then combined to produce the resulting image, which displays reduced noise and improved fine details even in the darkest area.




07-16-2003

Sony Japan Announces New 4-Color Filter CCD Technology

(Tokyo, Japan) - Sony Corporation today announced the world's first practical consumer (home) use of CCD with 4-color (Red [R], Green [G], Blue [B] + Emerald [E]) filters, together with a new image processor corresponding to the 4-color filter. By this technology, the color reproduction error is halved compared to Sony's conventional 3-primary-color filter CCD and, expression of images closer to the natural sight perception of the human eye is achieved under various shooting conditions.

Read the entire Sony Japan press release.




07-15-2003

Multitude of New Camera Reviews Posted

Just in case you think I've been slacking off or (God forbid) taking a vacation -- the answer is no. We've just been waiting for some decent weather, it's been like monsoon season here in Florida lately and we've finally gotten a few sunny hours between downpours. Anyway, here's our latest review efforts:

    A pair of new super-zoom cameras starting with the Olympus C-750 UltraZoom with 4-megapixels of resolution, 10x optical zoom, flash hot shoe and the better than average image quality that Olympus cameras are known for. Next up is the all new Toshiba PDR-M700, a 3.2-megapixel, 10x Canon optical zoom and a really big 2.5-inch color LCD top off its feature set. Both of these cameras offer a really good value for the money and deliver excellent images.

    Next up is the 'lil brother to the 5-megapixel Optio 550, the Pentax Optio 450 with a 4-megapixel imager, 5x optical zoom and a very durable and classy looking metal alloy body. Same fine image quality and feature set as the Optio 550 but with a little less resolution and a more appealing price point.

    And then we have the latest super-compact Canon Powershot SD100 Digital ELPH from Canon. Made smaller than ever because they now use the tiny Secure Digital memory cards. Same high-quality Canon 2x optical zoom, super durable metal body and excellent rechargeable battery system. The SD100's still images will yield beautiful 8x10-inch size prints and what's really amazing are the sharp and clear 640x480-pixel movies with sound. All this from a camera that will easily fit it any pocket or purse - happy vacationing!

    Last but not least, we have now concluded our Nikon Coolpix 5400 review and posted a full set of sample photos. The Coolpix 5400 shares the top spot with the Coolpix 5700 in Nikon's line of consumer digital cameras. It has a light and durable alloy body, a 4x Nikkor zoom with 28mm wide angle coverage, CompactFlash Type II storage including Microdrives, a fully-articulating 1.5-inch color LCD and a full set of exposure modes from Program AE to full Manual.




07-15-2003

Lexar Media Wins Prestigious TIPA Award for 2GB 40X-Speed Professional Series CompactFlash

Fremont, CA, July 15, 2003 - Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leading designer, developer and marketer of award-winning high-performance digital media and accessories, announced today that Lexar Media's 2GB 40X-speed Professional Series CompactFlash has been recognized by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) as the "Best Digital Accessory" introduced in Europe within the past twelve months.

TIPA is an organization of 31 photography and imaging magazines in 12 European countries and the TIPA Awards are recognized throughout the European imaging community as the Oscars of the industry. The Awards are granted by Europe's most influential imaging editors who judge each product on innovation, use of leading-edge technology, design and ergonomics, ease of use, and price/performance ratio.

"It's an honor to receive an award of this caliber," said Tessa Board, managing director, Lexar Media, Europe. "TIPA Awards are viewed by the European imaging community as the best of the best, and Lexar Media is proud to be recognized as part of this elite group."

"TIPA awards are granted only to the finest imaging products in the industry and Lexar Media has reached our high standards with their 2GB 40X-speed CompactFlash," said Juan Varela, president of TIPA. "Thanks to the new WA (Write Acceleration Technology), the new CompactFlash Card series is up to 23% faster than the earlier cards. The improved performance is due to faster communication between card and camera, allowing files to be transferred and stored more quickly. In combination with the 2GB storage memory, it makes the Lexar cards ideal for professional digital photography."

2003 - 2004 TIPA award winners (digital):

  • Best Innovative Technology: Olympus 4/3 Digital System

  • Best Design: Nikon Coolpix SQ

  • Best Digital Consumer Camera: Olympus Mju 400 Digital

  • Best Digital Prosumer Camera: Sony DCS V1

  • Best SLR Digital: Canon EOS 1Ds

  • Best Digital Professional Product: Imacon Ixpress

  • Best Camcorder: Sony DCR-TRV 950

  • Best Flatbed Scanner: Epson Perfection 3200 Photo

  • Best Filmscanner: Minolta Dimage Scan 5400

  • Best Photo Printer: Epson Stylus Photo 900

  • Best Consumer Software: JASC PaintShop Pro 8

  • Best Inkjet Photo Paper: Tetenal Fine Art

  • Best Digital Accessory: Lexar Media 2GB 40X-Speed Professional Series CompactFlash



07-15-2003

Sandisk Introduces Cruzer Mini, A Small Size, Embedded USB Flash Drive Storage Device

New Floppy Disk Replacement Aimed At A Growing Market For The Portable Storage And Transfer Of Data, Image, Audio And Video Files

SUNNYVALE, CA, JULY 15, 2003 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced Cruzer Mini, an embedded USB 2.0 hi-speed "key chain" flash drive about the size of a lipstick case. Cruzer Mini is one of the world's smallest flash memory drives and uses the latest USB interface technology to achieve the maximum data transfer rates possible today.

Cruzer Mini already has started shipping to major retailers in the United States and Canada and SanDisk also expects to ship the product in August to many of its 50,000 retail outlets around the world. The portable storage devices initially are being sold in two capacities - 128 and 256 megabytes (MB) - with suggested retail pricing of $49.99 and $79.99. SanDisk plans to introduce higher capacity Cruzer Minis later this year.

Read the entire SanDisk press release.




07-15-2003

Three Digital Imaging Legends to be Inducted Into Photoshop Hall of Fame

TAMPA, Fla. -- July 15, 2003 -- Digital imaging veterans Mark Hamburg, Jack Davis, and Stephen Johnson have been named as the 2003 inductees into the prestigious Photoshop Hall of Fame, recognized for their achievements in Photoshop Business Development, Education, and Art, respectively. The induction ceremony, which takes place as part of the 2003 PhotoshopWorld Conference and Expo (sponsored by Adobe Systems, Inc.), will be held September 30, 2003, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida.

The Photoshop Hall of Fame, formed by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, seeks to honor and recognize those individuals whose contributions to the business, education, development, and art of Adobe Photoshop have enduring value. This year¹s inductees will be recognized for the following achievements:

Photoshop Business Development - Mark Hamburg
Mark Hamburg is the leading developer of Adobe Photoshop. In 1999 he was awarded "Inventor of the Year" by the Silicon Valley Intellectual Property Law Association who described him as a "mathematician-inventor, artist-innovator who has altered the graphics landscape with the invention of Photoshop."

Photoshop Education - Jack Davis
Jack is author (with Linnea Dayton) of the best-selling Photoshop guide, The Photoshop Wow! Book, which has trained millions in the art of Photoshop design. He himself is an award winning designer, illustrator, and photographer as well as a contributing editor to numerous other books on digital imagery, design, and online communication.

Photoshop Art - Stephen Johnson
Digital photography pioneer Stephen Johnson received international acclaim for his 1997 photo essay in Life, the first digitally-produced story to appear in a national magazine. He was also involved with the creation of the duotone feature in Adobe Photoshop as well as writing the program¹s sample curve presets.

For more information about the Photoshop Hall of Fame, visit www.photoshophalloffame.com.




07-14-2003

USA TODAY Lists Options for Vacationing Digicam Users

In a USA TODAY story they list options for those vacationing with their digicams this year. What to do with a memory card full of memories when you're on the road has always been a problem. This year there are many options available. Wal-Mart, Costco and Kinkos have all upgraded their digital processing labs so you can have your digital images transferred to a CD while you wait. At Kinko's you can rent a computer station for $12 an hour and e-mail pictures to anywhere.

Many of the estimated 6,000 cybercafes worldwide have upgraded their computers and added memory card readers so users can upload their pictures. Wal-Mart will burn your images to a CD for $3.84 and make 4x6" prints for $.29 each. Wal-Mart also offers direct posting of images to the Walmart.com web site but only for its film-processing customers for just $.97 roll. Costco's 308 stores offer CD-burning for $3.79 and Kinko's CD service is $4.99 and is available at 350 stores with Sony's new self-service Picture Station kiosk. Another 450 are being fitted for the kiosk by September.




07-14-2003

European Union Approves Konica, Minolta Merger with Conditions

The European Union Commission approved the merger of Japanese camera and copier manufacturer Konica Corp. and Minolta Co. Ltd., subject to Konica divesting its stake in Japanese photometer company Sekonic Co. Ltd., Dow Jones Business News reported.

The investigation found both companies' activities are largely complementary although overlaps were found in the markets for photocopiers as well as compact and digital cameras. But the commission said these overlaps didn't give rise to competition concerns since the merged entity would still lag behind market leaders Ricoh Co. and Canon Inc., said the report.

Under the merger agreement, both companies will join forces under a new holding company to be called Konica Minolta Holding Inc. Minolta will be de-listed and one Minolta share will be exchanged for 0.621 shares in Konica. The share swap will be concluded by August. The Konica brand will be used for film sales while the Minolta brand will be used for camera sales.




07-14-2003

Kodak Introduces New Version of Digital GEM Plug-in for Mac Users

Rochester, NY (July 15, 2003) - Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the new automatic noise and grain reduction, Digital GEM Plug-in for Macintosh users. The Digital GEM plug-in is the newest addition to the software suite of image correction and enhancment plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop and compatible image editing applications, which includes the Digital ROC plug-in for color correction / restoration and the Digital SHO plug-in for revealing hidden details in shadows or dark image areas. These award-winning software products were developed and launched by Applied Science Fiction of Austin Texas, which Kodak recently acquired.

The improvements compared to the original Windows version 1.0 include dramatically better memory handling and increased speed. These improvements will be incorporated in the new Windows update version 1.1 and will be available at no charge to current Windows Digital GEM users at www.asf.com. A free trial version of the new Mac GEM plug-in can also be downloaded from the ASF web site.

Read the entire Kodak/ASF press release.




07-10-2003

New Reviews Posted

Just posted is our Kyocera L3v review of this compact and durable 3-megapixel camera that features a 3x zoom lens and a relatively huge 2.5-inch color LCD. It takes very good pictures and is priced just under $400. We liked it, read the review and see why.

Also posted is our Polaroid PDC-2350 review, an entry-level 2-megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens. The images are a little over-saturated for my taste but it may satisfy your needs.




07-10-2003

Hasselblad, Imacon Introduce Ixpress H1



(From the PMA Newsline)

Victor Hasselblad AB, Gothenburg, Sweden, introduced the Imacon Ixpress H1, the first digital back to fully integrate with the range of features made possible by the H1. Imacon introduced the first digital back to take advantage of the features offered by the new 645 format Hasselblad H1. Imacon's adapter system will enable the Ixpress H1 to be used with the entire range of Hasselblad V-System cameras as well. Older Ixpress backs bought for use with V-System cameras can also be adapted to use with the H1.

Göran Bernhoff, Hasselblad CEO, said, "The Ixpress H1 was developed with full cooperation from the H1 development team, not reverse engineered. As a result, the Ixpress H1 is able to seamlessly integrate with the H1 and to utilize all of the advanced functionality that the H1 supports."

The Ixpress H1 has 16-million pixels and a 9-micron pixel size. It features a storage capacity of more than 1,000 images, power for up to 8-hours of constant shooting, and the ability to capture 96MB shots with a burst rate of less than two seconds. The Ixpress H1 saves all images directly to the Ixpress Image Bank, without needing to change flash cards, micro drives, or other storage media.

Ixpress H1 also allows photographers to take advantage of the H1's multi-shot capability to increase the resolution to its maximum. The Ixpress H1 utilizes a unique technique, controlled by the optional 4*Res module, which can capture images up to 384MB. 4*Res uses multiple exposures to allow the entire CCD area to capture each color without interpolation, providing maximum resolution and moiré-free images.

The Ixpress H1 will be available via selected retail locations July 15. (If you have to ask "how much is it" - you can't afford it...)




07-09-2003

Eric Cheng Gets Dive Magazine Cover Photo



Congratulations to Eric Cheng from www.WetPixel.com for getting this month's cover photo on Dive Magazine. Eric's excellent photo was also our Photo of the Day on April 4th.

Eric captured this shot with a Canon D60 in a Sea & Sea Housing with dual Ikelite DS-125 strobes. This is only the second cover photo for Dive magazine that was taken using a digital camera - I'm sure it won't be the last!




07-09-2003

Panasonic Lumix Award 2003

Now is your chance to enter this year's Lumix Award, and win yourself a Lumix Digital Still Camera, and Tungsten T Handheld from Palm, as well as the main prize of an international 7-day photographic workshop.

The theme this year is "Man & Machine". Mankind has always had an interesting relationship with technology. Love it or hate it – where would we be without technology? You are invited to explore the positive aspects to this relationship. It's open to your own interpretation and can be as broad as you feel appropriate.

All photographs entered must be taken with a digital camera. The unique features of digital cameras allow you to throw off the restrictions of conventional film and introduce you to a whole new way of taking photographs. Have fun and experiment.

The competition is open for six months from the 1st June 2003 to 30th November 2003 and will be judged by a panel of respected professional photographers. The judging process will take place in December 2003.

To enter, just visit the Lumix Award website at www.lumixaward.com, register and then upload your images. Note the rules state that only those persons that are residents of an EU (European Union) Member State are eligible to enter this contest. It is being sponsored by Panasonic-Europe.




07-08-2003

New Reviews Posted

Just posted is our Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC33 review of this compact and robust 3-megapixel camera that features a Leica 3x zoom lens. This is an excellent camera that takes very good pictures and is priced below $300. We liked it, read the review to see why.

Also posted is our Polaroid PDC-2150 review, an entry-level 2-megapixel camera with a fixed-focus non-zoom lens. There is nothing about it that makes it stand out from the crowd of other similarly featured digicams.




07-08-2003

SMaL Camera Technologies Enables the World's Thinnest and Lightest 1.3-Megapixel Digital Cameras by FUJIFILM AXIA



Cambridge, Mass. (July 8, 2003) - SMaL Camera Technologies, a developer of digital imaging solutions and the creator of the award-winning 6mm thin Ultra-Pocket® VGA digital still camera, announced today that it has enabled the 1.3-Megapixel "eyeplate mega" digital camera by FUJIFILM AXIA CO., LTD, a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. of Tokyo (Nasdaq: FUJIY). The release of AXIA's second-generation, SMaL-enabled slim cameras validates SMaL's leadership position in the credit-card size camera category, which it created in response to consumer demand for lifestyle products that offer ultra-portability, long battery life, style, quality and value.

Read the entire SMaL Camera/Fuji Axia press release.




07-03-2003

Nikon Announces Rebates On Coolscan Film Scanners

Nikon Inc., Melville, N.Y., USA, announced a $200 mail-in rebate off the purchase of Super Coolscan 4000 ED. The Super Coolscan 4000 ED is a high-performance desktop film scanner, which is designed for professionals looking to increase productivity and profitability in graphics and printing applications, as well as for producing large volume scans with unmatched image quality. The Super Coolscan 4000 ED, uses Applied Science Fiction's Digital ICE3 to correct surface defects and enhance images, reconstruct original color and equalize and manage grain details in film.

Consumers are also eligible to receive a $100 mail-in rebate on the purchase of a Coolscan IV ED. The Coolscan IV ED is a high-quality, high-speed desktop film scanner that offers 35mm SLR camera owners the ability to scan, enhance, catalog, preserve and restore images from positive and negative film. This scanner, also includes Digital ICE3 software and is designed for photo enthusiasts who are looking to digitize their images for a variety of applications, such as sending photos by e-mail, designing web pages, or archiving and cataloguing images.

For details regarding the new mail-in rebates, as well as tips on desktop film scanning, visit www.nikoncoolscan.com.




07-02-2003

Kodak Pro Posts v4.3.3 Firmware for Pro 14n SLR, Info About 512MB Buffer Upgrade and Photo Desk v3.1 Software

July 2, 2003 - Kodak Professional recently posted on its website v4.3.3 of its firmware for the DCS Pro 14n Digital SLR Camera, which provides a host of image quality and performance enhancements. In addition, details for upgrading the camera's image memory from 256 MB of RAM to 512 MB of RAM to achieve greater burst depth can now be found on the Kodak Professional website. With the recent release of Kodak Professional Photo Desk v3.1 software for all DCS cameras, the DCS Pro 14n digital camera is equipped to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility.

DCS Pro 14n Firmware v4.3.3 adds a variety of enhancements to the DCS Pro 14n digital camera to optimize its image quality and performance. It is free of charge and easily downloaded at www.kodak.com/go/DCSsoftware.

  • Improved color for JPEGs (to match new colors in Photo Desk v3.1).
  • Improved white balance defaults for the various supported illuminants.
  • File naming improvements to avoid the generation of duplicate file names.
  • Selectable number of images/folders - from 100 to 10,000.
  • New folder / file-naming features, including auto-restart.
  • DCR / JPEG file management where images are "stacked," so only one "zoomable" thumbnail is shown. Tagging and deletion affect all variants of an image.
  • Fine-tune exposure bias feature to users' needs by +/- 0.1 stop.
  • Refined default settings for sharpening and noise reduction.
  • Histogram includes "tick marks" that show "stops" relative to 18 percent gray, which is denoted as a double-tick.
  • Improvements for handling bar code scanners.
  • Several "bug" fixes.
The DCS Pro 14n camera can now be upgraded to achieve a deeper burst depth - from seven to 18 frames- by doubling the built-in RAM buffer from 256 MB to 512 MB. This upgrade is available now by sending the camera to any Kodak Professional repair center worldwide. Complete details are available from all Kodak Professional DCS Service Center worldwide.

The latest enhancements to DCS Photo Desk v3.1 bring a new level of control, sharpening and workflow enhancements to images captured by all Kodak Professional digital cameras, including the DCS Pro 14n camera.

  • A close-up tool that shows a fully rendered, best-quality preview of a small part of an image.
  • Enhanced image processing to preserve more image detail, reduce moiré and deliver cleaner, sharper prints.
  • Selectable RGB working space profiles for accurate color with predictable results.
  • Compatible with Kodak Professional DCS Custom Looks Software v2.0 to make it easier and faster to achieve high-quality images.
  • Includes two new DCS Custom Looks profiles - DCS Wedding Look and DCS Event Look.
  • Prints full images and contact sheets.
  • Supports MAC OS X and matches the AQUA user interface so all images are consistent.
  • Adjusts exposure compensation automatically to simplify high-volume jobs.




June 2003 News Steve's
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